If you’re a high schooler considering a high school internship, way to go! You’re on the right track. As I mention in this article, it can be intimidating to start the internship process, as you need to learn about everything first! However, it will be worth your time and effort in the end. Here are some reasons why you should do a high school internship, as well as why it will benefit you in the end.
#1: Career Exploration
Chances are pretty good that if you’re doing a high school internship, you have an idea of what field you want to go into. However, it’s perfectly okay if you’re not sure! Part of the beauty of internships is that they allow you to explore a field without the same stakes that you have when you’re older. An internship is inherently temporary. You’re not relying on it for benefits, a paycheck, or security. This gives you the gift of exploration. Wouldn’t you rather try something out before you commit to it long term and do have to worry about these things?
After you do an internship, I highly recommend making a list of what you did and didn’t enjoy. This can help you out later when you’re determining what career (or major) is right for you.
#2: Hands-On Work Experience
The most obvious benefit of a high school internship is that you get hands-on work experience. Instead of just learning about something from a book, you get to see how it works in the real world. This will teach you a thousand times more than any textbook ever could. You will gain skills and proficiencies that will help you with future jobs and projects. It provides you with a meaningful context to learn more about a career–and yourself.
#3: A Way to Meet People
High school internships are a great way to meet like-minded people! When I did my own internship in high school, I met so many wonderful people, one of whom is still my best friend to this day. This is not a unique experience. When you do an internship, you are setting yourself up to meet other driven people interested in similar things. These are people who want to do more than just submit homework assignments. They want to get hands-on experience and get ahead! Besides, it can be nice to get away from the same pool of people who you’ve known for years. Don’t underestimate the social aspect. It’s often one of the most rewarding parts of an internship.
#4: A Resume Builder
If you’re in high school, you probably don’t have a lot of work experience. That can make it hard to fill out a resume. As I mention here, you can always use things like soft skills, education, and volunteering on your first resume. However, as you get internship experience, you suddenly have a lot more to add to your resume. You can add technological and work-based skills that you gained, programs you learned, and work experience. Additionally, you’ll probably have a new recommender if you need a letter of recommendation!
Pro tip: write down everything that you do in a master resume! This will help you to better organize your resume in the future and tailor it to specific positions.
#5: Self-Esteem Booster
Many people struggle with confidence, especially in their teenage years. A high school internship might not fix every issue, but it does contribute to boosting self-esteem. When you do an internship, you’re exercising independence, critical thinking, and professionalism. Above all, you’re contributing to something and being useful. That in and of itself is an achievement, and you can look at all of the accomplishments you’ve made by not only getting the internship, but also succeeding in it. When I was in high school, this really helped me to come out of my shell and feel more like myself. I have seen the same in others, too!
#6: Builds Connections
Your network is your strength. You’re young now, but when you go to look for jobs in the future or execute projects, you will rely on your network. The stronger your network, the stronger you are. The first step toward building your network is making those connections. If you make a good impression on people at your internship, you can later refer to them in the future. Take advantage of every mixer and chance to meet people that you get!
#7: Sets You Apart from Peers
As I mentioned above, by doing a high school internship, you are demonstrating that you want to go above and beyond. You’ll gain new responsibilities, interact with adults, perform like a professional in the workplace, and understand how to act in a variety of situations. All of these are attributes that not every high schooler has. When you go on to your next chapter, this will help you greatly, and it will display your maturity.
#8: Potential Way to Earn Money
Not all internships pay, but some do! Some internships also pay more than a minimum wage job, as it is more skilled labor. This is definitely something to consider, especially if you want to find a job anyway.
#9: Gives You Something to Talk About in College Essays
If you’re college-bound, you will probably have to write a personal statement or some kind of essay. Schools like SDSU and other CSUs don’t require this, but many private schools, out of state schools, and UCs do. It can be difficult to figure out what to write! Internships provide you with a variety of topics and examples, from overcoming adversity to taking initiative to becoming involved in the community. Consider this as you contemplate whether or not you want to do a high school internship.
#10: Teaches You About the Real World in a Sheltered Way
Finally, this is a great way to explore the world in a sheltered way. In high school, you still have many protections and a lot of “hand holding” in a way. Once you get to college, you still have some of this. Once you graduate, it disappears more and more. Because of that, I highly encourage you to explore and take these calculated risks now. Figure out what you like and what you don’t like. See what kinds of people there are out there to connect with and avoid. Enjoy your flexibility and ability to learn! And most of all, never be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
Conclusion
While it can take a lot of effort to find, start, and carry out a high school internship, there are many benefits. From personal enrichment to professional growth, you will gain at least one thing from the experience. Have you done an internship in high school? What was your experience? Let me know!
Photo Credit: Photo by Marvin Meyer on Unsplash
